Thursday, February 17, 2011

A Woman in her Thirties is Three Months

Dear Punky McSpunkerpants,

This week you are three months old.

Three.

Months.

Old.

Well, Spunkeroo, we've come a long, long way in three months. Much has happened. You learned how to sleep in your crib, and you sleep two 5-6 hour chunks per night-- consistently. You're finally nursing like a champ, and I'm proud of every roll on your sweet little thighs. We've been to church. You've been to childcare. You've been practicing yoga. There have been quite a few days when I've looked at you and said, 'We've got this!', and you smile back at me and I know you agree.

There are other days when... well, let's just say that a woman in her thirties doesn't always have this mothering thing down pat. But I've realized those days are less about you and more about me. I sincerely hope you don't inherit your Mom's ability to have a breakdown over spit up on a crappy sweatshirt.

But even on the hard days, being home with you is a gift beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I love taking you out and showing you off. I love giving you long evening baths. I love walking through our neighborhood and having one-sided conversations about the houses we pass by. I even love the spreadsheet I've got going that tracks when and how much you sleep every day. In business speak, you are my most important customer and most favorite boss.

What I'm trying to say is that you bring out the best in me, Anna Banana, even when I'm frazzled. Your face is enough to pull me out of whatever state of inadequacy a woman in her thirties might find herself in, and that makes you a pretty powerful little person in your own right. Just don't let it get to your head though, okay? We've got many more months to go, and I'm looking forward to each one.

Love,Mom

P.S.You outgrew your magical suit. But do you want to know something amazing? A neighbor gave you the exact same magical suit in white, one size up. Can you believe it? It's one of the many ways you'll find out that life has the strangest and most wonderful ways of working out. I'll remind you of that someday when you need to remember that. Please do the same for me.